They were not analytic in temperament, neither were they moralists.

He was not a menace to society, because society had superb defenses.

So they vaguely recognized his many poor qualities and clearly saw his few good ones.

He could shoot, when permitted, with the best; no horse, however refractory, had ever been known to throw him; he was an adept at following the trails left by rustlers, and that was an asset; he became of value to the community; he was an economic factor.
His ability to consume liquor with indifferent effects raised him another notch in their estimation.

He was not always talking when some one else wished to--another count.